'Boating & Beach Bash' gives everyone the opportunity for some fun in the sun

February 27, 2013

On March 16, Spanish River Park will host the annual free event for people with physical and/or intellectual challenges: "Boating & Beach Bash for People with Disabilities."

The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is open to all people with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, their caregivers and their families.

The fifth annual bash is expected to draw about 5,000 participants and hundreds of volunteers.

For the past two years, the "Boating & Beach Bash" was voted the best community service project in South Florida by the Gold Coast Public Relations Council. It continues to set standards in celebrating diversity among the 20 percent of Americans with disabilities. All funding for the event is raised from local citizens, foundations and corporations.

As the event has grown, so has its reach. Started as a city of Boca initiative, the bash became a stand alone event in 2011.

Now it includes alliances from Miami-Dade to Martin counties, including the Wounded Warriors In Action Foundation and its Purple Heart program; Shake A Leg Miami, a water sports center for people with disabilities; Fort Lauderdale's Starlight Children's Foundation; and Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin counties.

"Our goal is to reach as many families who face disabling challenges as we can serve," said Jay Van Vechten, the event's founder and director. "The generosity of our supporters has been overwhelming, allowing us to constantly expand our reach and services to the special needs community. We remain grateful to the city of Boca for the free use of beautiful Spanish River Park, along with other supportive in-kind services."

In 2009, the event hosted 350 guests. By 2012, that number climbed to 4,496 attendees, 501 volunteers and 30 yachts, donated for the day by members of Boca's Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club. The privately owned yachts, captained by Coast Guard certified crews, offer free rides throughout the day to event participants. Guests are also treated to live entertainment, a barbecue lunch and other fun activities.

In 2012, the VA Hospital in West Palm Beach participated in the bash, inviting 400 Purple Heart recipients and their families.

"We want our heroes to know they can come to this event, meet old friends and find a secure, environment where they and their families can spend a safe, fun day together, celebrating the good things of life," said Van Vechten.

Donations can be sent to Boating & Beach Bash, P.O. BOX 99, Boca Raton, FL 33429. If a tax-deductible donation is needed, checks should be made payable to WWIAF, a 501c3. Write BASH on the memo line. PayPal is available on the bash website at http://www.boatingbeachbash.com.